Ok, so my ECE program tends to bring up over and over again that we should encourage parent involvement. We should, for instance, have activities and ask parents to volunteer their time or talents to come in and help.
We could have a parent board that advises us, or family events, etc.
I have NO problem holding a family event of some sort 2x a year. I have no problem asking a parent who is a woodworker if he could make us some minor thing, or cut the legs down on a table for me, etc.
But, I don't think it's appropriate to ask parents who are PAYING ME FOR SERVICE to come in and volunteer their time for field trips or activities. I also don't have any desire for a parent board to "advise" me.
Does anyone here see it differently?
A suggested activity is to have families bring a favorite recipe...ok with me
Put together a recipe book with the kids...ok with me
Ask the parent to come in and make it with the kids.
Um...the reason their child is here is because they have to work!
I get the premise is to get parents more involved before the children go to school. But, I don't see myself the same way as school. For the most part, school is free...I'm not.